Lewes FC Stands by Danny Bassett Amid FA Betting Charge

FA Charge and Awareness Campaign

Bassett has been charged under the FA’s E8 rule, which prohibits all footballers from placing bets on the sport. In response, he has pledged to launch an awareness campaign to educate other players on the regulations and potential consequences of gambling-related infractions.

The case is part of a wider trend, with players from high-profile clubs such as Newcastle United, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest also facing similar charges in recent years. However, Lewes FC’s response stands out due to its long-standing opposition to gambling’s presence in football.

Lewes FC’s Stance on Gambling in Football

Unlike many professional clubs, Lewes FC has actively distanced itself from betting sponsorship and advertising. The Sussex-based team has been a partner of Gambling With Lives, a gambling reform charity, since 2019 and remains committed to promoting responsible gambling awareness.

In a statement, the club reaffirmed its full support for Bassett, while expressing frustration over what it described as a lack of educational resources on gambling risks for players and staff. Club officials further criticized the prevalence of gambling advertisements in football, stating that they “suffocate” the game and increase the risk of gambling-related harm.

Despite Lewes FC’s opposition to betting sponsorships, its league, the Isthmian League, is currently sponsored by Entain—a major gambling operator that owns brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, Sportingbet, and bwin. Entain also partners with the other Trident Leagues as part of its broader marketing and corporate social responsibility efforts in grassroots football.

The Broader Debate on Betting Sponsorships

Bassett’s case emerges at a time when the debate over gambling sponsorship in English football has resurfaced in the House of Lords. Proposed amendments to the Football Governance Bill seek to regulate betting’s influence on the sport, reigniting discussions on its long-term impact on clubs, players, and fans.

For now, neither Bassett nor Lewes FC plan to issue further statements until the FA Regulatory Commission concludes its independent review of the case.